Where to begin. I am an ordinary guy who lives with OCD tendencies. I’m also a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and most importantly, a follower of Jesus. It has taken over 30 years of living for me to finally discover and put a label on the issue that has consumed so much of my mind. In the past when I thought of OCD, I would instantly think of a person who is extremely organized and wants everything neat and tidy in a certain order. And while that may be a symptom for many people who suffer from OCD, I had no idea how vast the disorder could be and the sort of a mental toll it could have on a person until I experienced it firsthand.
A study titled “Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders” done by Andrea Allen, PhD, Audrey King, PhD, and Eric Hollander, MD best describes what it’s like 24/7 for a person who suffers from OCD.
“The compulsions are repetitive behaviors, including mental acts that the individual feels compelled to perform to reduce the anxiety created by the obsessions. The compulsions are often performed in specific ways, and can result in elaborate rituals.
The obsessions and compulsions are intrusive, preoccupying, and distressing. The obsessions interfere with attention and concentration, thus interfering with cognitive tasks and often social interactions. The obsessions and compulsions can be very time-consuming: they interfere with functioning because of the time they occupy, and because patients with OCD often develop patterns of avoidance of situations or things that provoke their obsessions or compulsions.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181632/
When I originally found that study and read those lines, it rang so true to what my mind goes through on a regular basis. These “mental acts” and “elaborate rituals” that I feel compelled to perform in my mind in order to move on from whatever thought happens to be stuck in my mind at any given time are mentally and physically draining, and worst of all they take me away from being present in this life. I have experienced real lows from this, pits at time that felt so low and deep that I didn’t see a way out. That I’d be resigned to live out this precious life just going through the motions, never being fully present, always being distracted, and always being trapped in my own mind.
Thankfully there is good news. The Bible says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14 NIV. I don’t believe God “gave” me OCD. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 NLT. This is what I believe. We also live in a sinful and fallen world. However despite this condition that plagues my mind, and the minds of millions around the world, we have the promise of Romans 8:28 NLT. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” I am a living testimony of this. God used OCD in my life for good, and ultimately because of it He drew me closer to Himself through it. That in my lowest of moments, Jesus saved me.
This blog isn’t an in-depth resource about the workings of OCD, the science behind it, or medications used to help with its symptoms. I’m certainly not qualified to offer advice in any of those areas. I also recognize that there are a wide range of symptoms for people who struggle with OCD and there isn’t a “one-size fits all” answer when it comes to dealing with its grasp. Throughout my life thus far there have been many issues that I’ve struggled with in my faith journey while grappling with OCD mentally. Things that have kept me up all night pondering. Questions that I had that I never thought I’d get the answers to. All of this while asking myself can God really love me; is Salvation really for me? Over time as God drew me closer to Him, He revealed those answers to me. Through Jesus I found freedom from so many of those struggles that I went through and felt led to write this blog. I felt a tugging on my heart saying that I have the opportunity to help someone else who is struggling with the same things that used to torment me. That’s my prayer for this blog. I pray that God uses it to help someone in their struggles. I pray that God uses it to draw someone closer to Him, OCD or not. This life is a journey and we can experience true freedom through Jesus Christ. That’s my hope and prayer for everyone. That they would experience that peace and joy that only He can provide.
Faith Over OCD 
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